Choosing the right college or university is an important decision that greatly influences one’s academic journey and future. This article provides an in-depth comparison between Mississippi State University (MSU) and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), focusing on various aspects, such as cost, admissions, academics, diversity, rankings, and outcomes.
Mississippi State University Overview
Mississippi State University, founded in 1878, is a public research university located in Starkville, Mississippi. With a land grant and space grant designation, MSU is known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and extension services. The university offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its diverse colleges and schools.
Mississippi State University Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at Mississippi State University for in-state students is approximately $23,950 per year, including tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses. For out-of-state students, the cost of attendance is approximately $37,950 per year. Financial aid packages are available for eligible students, with scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Mississippi State University Admissions
To be considered for admission at Mississippi State University, applicants must submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and a personal essay. The middle 50% of test scores for admitted students range from a 21-28 for the ACT and a 1080-1310 for the SAT. The overall acceptance rate is approximately 64%.
Mississippi State University Degrees Offered
Mississippi State University offers a wide array of degree programs across its eight colleges: Agriculture and Life Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering, Forest Resources, Veterinary Medicine, and the Bagley College of Engineering. Students can choose from over 175 undergraduate and graduate degrees, including popular programs in engineering, business, agriculture, and education.
Mississippi State University Academics
At MSU, students can expect a challenging academic environment, with a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 29. The university boasts a strong commitment to research, with a number of research centers and facilities supporting faculty and student research endeavors.
Mississippi State University Diversity
Mississippi State University is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus environment, with various resources and initiatives to support its diverse student body. Approximately 72% of the students are White, 13% are African American, and 15% identify as other races or ethnicities.
Mississippi State University Students
MSU currently enrolls over 22,000 students, with about 19,000 undergraduate and 3,000 graduate students. The university offers various support services, including academic advising, career services, and tutoring, to help students succeed academically and socially. Additionally, students can participate in over 300 student organizations, clubs, and activities to enrich their college experience.
Mississippi State University Campus
The Mississippi State University campus spans over 4,200 acres and contains modern academic facilities, residence halls, and recreational areas. The university provides various campus amenities, such as dining services, libraries, computer labs, and fitness centers, to cater to the needs of its students.
Mississippi State University Alumni
Mississippi State University boasts a vast alumni network of over 142,000 individuals, who have made significant contributions to various fields like business, education, engineering, and public service. Some notable alumni include author John Grisham, astronaut Fred Haise, and NFL player Dak Prescott.
Mississippi State University Rankings
MSU is consistently recognized for its academic excellence and research prowess in various national and international rankings. The university ranks #97 among public universities and #206 among national universities, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Mississippi State University Outcomes
Mississippi State University has a six-year graduation rate of 61%, demonstrating a strong commitment to student success. Within six months of graduation, approximately 80% of MSU graduates secure employment or continue their education through graduate programs.
Middle Tennessee State University Overview
Middle Tennessee State University, established in 1911, is a comprehensive public university located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. With a focus on liberal arts, MTSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its nine colleges: Basic and Applied Sciences, Behavioral and Health Sciences, Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Media and Entertainment, University College, Graduate Studies, and the Honors College.
Middle Tennessee State University Costs & Tuition
The annual cost of attendance for in-state students at MTSU is approximately $24,500, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $39,000 per year. MTSU offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, to assist eligible students.
Middle Tennessee State University Admissions
Admission to MTSU requires applicants to submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal statement or essay. The middle 50% of test scores for admitted students range from a 19-25 for the ACT and a 960-1200 for the SAT. The overall acceptance rate at MTSU is around 94%.
Middle Tennessee State University Degrees Offered
MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields, including popular programs in business, education, liberal arts, and media and entertainment. Students can also pursue interdisciplinary and professional studies through the University College.
Middle Tennessee State University Academics
With a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 28, MTSU offers a supportive and engaging learning environment. The university is dedicated to promoting research and creative activities, with numerous research centers and institutes available for faculty and student collaboration.
Middle Tennessee State University Diversity
MTSU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community, with various resources and initiatives aimed at supporting students from different backgrounds. The student body is composed of 63% White, 18% African American, and 19% other races or ethnicities.
Middle Tennessee State University Students
MTSU enrolls over 22,000 students, including about 20,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students. The university offers a range of support services, such as academic advising, career development, and tutoring, to help students excel academically and professionally. Moreover, students can engage in over 250 student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance their college experience.
Middle Tennessee State University Campus
The MTSU campus comprises over 500 acres and features state-of-the-art academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational facilities. Students can access various campus amenities, including dining services, libraries, computer labs, and fitness centers, to cater to their needs.
Middle Tennessee State University Alumni
MTSU’s alumni network includes over 130,000 individuals, who have made significant contributions in various fields like business, education, media, and public service. Notable alumni include Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, country music singer Chris Young, and actress Ashley Scott.
Middle Tennessee State University Rankings
MTSU is consistently recognized for its academic excellence and commitment to student success in various national rankings. The university ranks #298-#389 among national universities, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Middle Tennessee State University Outcomes
MTSU’s six-year graduation rate is 44%, reflecting the university’s dedication to student success and academic achievement. Within six months of graduation, approximately 77% of MTSU graduates secure employment or pursue further education through graduate programs.
Mississippi State University vs Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison
The cost of attendance at MSU and MTSU is relatively similar for both in-state and out-of-state students. MSU’s cost of attendance is around $23,950 for in-state students and $37,950 for out-of-state students, while MTSU’s cost is approximately $24,500 and $39,000, respectively. Both institutions offer various financial aid options to help eligible students cover their expenses.
Mississippi State University vs Middle Tennessee State University Admissions Difficulty
In terms of admissions, MTSU has a higher acceptance rate of 94%, compared to MSU’s 64%. Additionally, the middle 50% of test scores for admitted students at MSU is generally higher than that of MTSU. This indicates that gaining admission to MSU may be more competitive than at MTSU.
Mississippi State University vs Middle Tennessee State University Academic Difficulty
While both institutions offer a challenging academic environment, MSU may be considered more academically rigorous, given its higher national ranking and research focus. Additionally, MSU has a slightly lower student-to-faculty ratio than MTSU (20:1 compared to 17:1), which may lead to a more personalized learning experience.
Mississippi State University vs Middle Tennessee State University Outcome Comparison
Both universities are committed to ensuring student success and positive outcomes. MSU has a slightly higher six-year graduation rate of 61%, compared to MTSU’s 44%. Furthermore, MSU graduates have a higher employment rate within six months of graduation (80%) than MTSU graduates (77%).
In conclusion, both Mississippi State University and Middle Tennessee State University offer strong academic programs, diverse campus environments, and various resources to support student success. Prospective students should carefully consider their individual needs, preferences, and goals when deciding between these two institutions.
